Federal Workers Have Jobs Restored After Shutdown RIF Notices Rescinded

Washington, D.C. — The recent end of the lengthy government shutdown has resulted in significant relief for thousands of federal employees. After facing potential layoffs, more than 3,600 federal workers received formal notifications that their reduction in force (RIF) notices have been rescinded as of November 21, 2025.

According to filings submitted by the Justice Department to a federal court in San Francisco, each employee who received a RIF notice since October 1 has now been informed that these notices are void. This development follows the passing of a continuing resolution by Congress aimed at reopening the government.

The legislation indicates that any RIF notices issued on or after October 1, 2025, “shall have no force or effect.” Furthermore, it prohibits federal agencies from using any funds to conduct additional RIFs while the resolution is in effect. Initially, over 3,605 federal employees were slated for layoffs, with the Internal Revenue Service seeing the largest number at over 1,300.

Additionally, the situation concerning the Department of Education’s civil rights division is uncertain for 299 employees. While these workers were notified on October 14, the Department argues that their RIF notices were issued earlier and therefore are not subject to reversal under the current resolution.

Jacqueline Clay, Chief Human Capital Officer for the Department of Education, stated that finalizing the previous RIF does not involve actions taken during the shutdown. She emphasized that they are awaiting clarification regarding previous injunctions placed by the court.

Moreover, attorneys representing laid-off workers from the General Services Administration (GSA) claim that the agency failed to comply with the directive to rescind RIF notices for 35 employees who were separated on October 6. They argue that not reinstating these staff members violates the statute passed by Congress.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) experienced a similar confusion. Initially, they informed 77 employees that their RIF notices were rescinded, but this decision was reversed shortly after, leaving the employees uncertain about their job status.

Unions such as the American Federation of Government Employees are actively advocating for the reinstatement of employees affected by earlier RIF notices, citing the provisions of the continuing resolution as the basis for their claims.

Experts suggest that clarity is needed soon as agencies grapple with the implications of Congress’s measures to protect federal employees during this period of government uncertainty.